所有権の衝突

The moon hung high over the sprawling city of Kyoto, casting an ethereal glow over its towering skyscrapers and narrow alleyways.

In the heart of the city, the shadows danced to the silent rhythm of power struggles, where Yakuza factions vied for control in a never-ending battle for dominance.

Hinata, the heiress of the formidable Hyūga clan, found herself at the center of this perilous world.

Her father, Hiashi Hyūga, had been a legendary figure, a force to be reckoned with who kept the formidable Hyūga clan safe from the clutches of rival Yakuza families.

But with his recent death, a power vacuum had been created, and vultures circled, eager to claim the spoils.

In the somber aftermath of Hiashi's funeral, Hinata meandered through the hushed corridors of the Hyūga compound, burdened by the weight of her newfound role as the leader of the Hyūga clan.

The quietness of the Hyūga compound became an echoing reminder of her father's death, an emptiness that seemed to grow with each passing day.

The silence that enveloped the entire estate was almost suffocating, amplifying the echoes of her footsteps as Hinata navigated the once-familiar halls.

It was during these times when grief threatened to consume her, Hinata sought solace in the courtyard of the Hyūga compound.

Amidst the cherry blossom trees, a place her father cherished, she found refuge amongst the chaos. In the days when her father was alive, it was here that he would often retreat to contemplate.

Now, in his absence, Hinata, too, found solace in such a place. It became a place for her to reconnect with him in any way possible-to embrace the memory of her now deceased father.

Recollections of the moments they shared in the peaceful confines of the Hyūga courtyard always flooded her mind.

While he was alive, her father would guide her there, encouraging her to kneel amidst the grass and meditate.

There, he taught her the importance of listening to her own heartbeat, understanding it, and ultimately, becoming one with it.

Additionally, her father imparted the wisdom of quieting her thoughts, cultivating a sound mind, and finding a place of both control and release.

Hinata reflected on his words, and the numerous lessons he shared during those precious father-daughter moments.

In those instances, her father would momentarily set aside his mantle as the leader of the Hyūga clan, escaping the realm of conquest and battle to impart his knowledge to her.

Even now, Hinata could vividly recall his voice, woven with wisdom, resonating through the soft rustling of the leaves. His teachings clung to her soul like glue, leaving an indelible mark.

"Understanding your enemy necessitates first understanding yourself."

He had once imparted to her.

These were lessons that, as a young child, she struggled to grasp.

It wasn't until she matured into a young woman, thrust into the role of a leader for a clan besieged by numerous adversaries, that the significance of her father's teachings truly came into play.

With his absence, Hinata had no choice but to recall her father's teachings, a beacon of guidance she could no longer directly access.

Now, as the appointed leader, burdened with the responsibility of safeguarding and ensuring the prosperity of her clan, Hinata faced a formidable challenge in the wake of Hiashi's departure.

The remaining clan members regarded her as the guiding light for their protection and prosperity, much like Hiashi had been seen in the past.

Even Neji, her cousin, and Hanabi, her sister, regarded Hinata with admiration and respect.

In the challenging months following the death of Hiashi, they, in fact, devoted themselves to comforting her.

They made numerous attempts to engage her in conversation, offer peace, and provide unwavering support during her time of need.

But despite their sincere efforts to assist her through grief while going through their own struggles, Hinata unconsciously distanced herself from both.

She instead sought solitude to grapple with her sorrows.

During moments of isolation, Hinata also would visit the personal shrine the Hyūga clan erected for Hiashi.

Faithfully, day and night, she visited, offering a bow of reverence each time.

It became an integral part of her routine; a place she couldn't bring herself to forsake.

There, she also took the time to remember him, shed tears, light candles, pray, and meticulously ensure the flowers placed there were fresh and beautiful, a personal homage to her departed father.

The weight of the newfound responsibility on her shoulders proved formidable, compelling her to constantly seek solace before her father's shrine, and his favorite refuge where she would meditate...

and think.

Just as she did now.

Clad in a graceful kimono adorned with the emblematic hues of the Hyūga clan-deep blue and pristine white-Hinata knelt with serene composure in the heart of the Hyūga courtyard.

Delicate white sakura blossoms, renowned symbols of Japan's beauty and transience, adorned her kimono, enhancing the ethereal elegance of her presence.

The traditional garment draped Hinata's delicate form, its colors a poignant reminder of the legacy she now bore.

Her midnight blue hair, usually flowing freely, was elegantly pinned up, framing her face like a cascade of shadows.

She currently adopted a contemplative posture amidst the pink cherry blossoms. Seated on a soft straw mat, she knelt with her knees gently touching the woven fibers beneath, her kimono's fabric pooling gracefully around her.

Her lavender eyes were closed shut, the world shielded from her notorious visual prowess. She delved into a profound meditation, finding peace in the tranquil embrace of her surroundings.

Hinata listened intently to the symphony of the night-the rustle of leaves, the distant murmur of the city, and the soft howl of the wind.

The quietude of the courtyard became a sanctuary, a realm where she sought to entangle her thoughts and find clarity amidst the swirling currents of grief and responsibility.

The moonlight, filtered through the branches above, cast a gentle glow on her serene visage and porcelain skin, a portrait of resilience amidst the delicate beauty of nature.

The courtyard, which Hinata now claimed as her own, now lay concealed in the heart of the Hyūga compound.

By her presence there, the entire perimeter was now guarded by ninjas clad in white, armed with katanas and kunai, keeping the secret place a protective haven for the Hyūga royal regime.

The courtyard, concealed by the towering Hyūga compound walls, was a secret oasis. It exuded the delicate fragrance of cherry blossoms, blending with the earthy scent of well-kept grass beneath ancient trees.

The trees stood like guardians, their gnarled branches adorned with delicate pink and white blossoms that cascaded like nature's confetti.

The leaves whispered ancient wisdom in the breeze, stone pathways crisscrossed the courtyard to hidden alcoves, moss-covered lanterns illuminated the weathered benches, and a koi pond reflected the cherry blossoms, a home for the beautiful koi fish to splash about.

Overall, the courtyard of the Hyūga compound was a beautiful place, and after another night of tossing and turning in bed, Hinata sought refuge within its tranquil embrace, finding a moment of peace.

With a deep breath, Hinata inhaled, letting the natural air of the world around her slip through the gaps of her crimson-stained lips, delving deep into her lungs for sustenance.

With each exhale, she let go, releasing all the tension that had been confined within her core.

At that moment, her mind sifted through her thoughts, discarding all the trivial ones and bringing to the forefront the concerns of her newfound leadership.

A frown marred her delicate features, and she instinctively clutched the fabric of her silk kimono with her fists.

Despite her lifelong preparation as the heiress of the Hyūga clan, diligently honing her skills and navigating the intricate politics of the Yakuza world, the reality of leadership felt like an unexpected storm.

Hinata had always relied on her father's guidance for matters of great importance, and now, without his protective presence, the responsibility rested squarely on her shoulders.

In the past, her days typically unfolded in a relentless routine of training and preparation, always under her father's watchful eye-a pursuit she once despised passionately.

Yet, in the profound void left by his absence, she now realizes firsthand that those teachings were more crucial than she could have ever imagined.

Because her father had been not only her shield but also a wellspring of wisdom, a pillar of strength that seemed irreplaceable.

Though Hinata had been groomed for this role throughout her life, the actuality of stepping into the spotlight was truly daunting for her.

For she has always been known as the jewel of the Hyūga clan, the one shining in the background while her father handled the complexities of leadership.

Being the Jewel of the Hyūga clan meant that Hinata was not only a symbol of grace and beauty but also a cherished and pivotal figure within the clan's legacy.

As the Jewel, Hinata embodied the ideals and values upheld by her family, serving as a beacon that illuminated the path for the clan's prosperity.

That defined what she was and had always been.

But now, the day she had trained relentlessly for had arrived, and she found herself grappling with the reality that she was not as prepared as she thought.

The grief that swirled within her was not only for her deceased father but also for the loss of the familiar rhythm of life.

Every choice seemed to carry a weight she hadn't anticipated, and the multitude of decisions before her left her feeling adrift in uncharted waters.

The once secure and structured world of the Hyūga clan has now transformed into a labyrinth of uncertainties, and Hinata, though resilient and trained, felt the profound impact of the void her father's absence had left behind.

A depressing endeavor she could not bear.

Hinata let out a sigh as her thoughts once more turned somber, leaving a frown etched on her crimson lips.

She bit her lip.

'I miss you so much, otou-sama,' Hinata thought, struggling to hold back tears.

But she couldn't allow herself to cry; she just couldn't.

She must stay strong.

So, instead, she focused on her breathing.

Hinata inhaled once more.

She exhaled.

She inhal...

Abruptly, Hinata's breath caught as she felt, behind her closed eyes, a subtle change in the air, disturbing the tranquility of the courtyard.

The gentle rustle of the wind turned harsh, an ominous whisper that crawled beneath her senses.

An unwelcome presence disturbed the stillness, and Hinata felt it instantly, an intruder violating the sacred space she sought peace.

In an instant, her lavender eyes snapped open, her once serene meditation replaced by heightened alertness.

With swift precision, she reached into the folds of her kimono, retrieving a shuriken-a weapon concealed, yet ready.

Her muscles tightened, her right arm extending at great speeds as she aimed for a specific spot in the courtyard-a weathered pillar a short distance away from her.

The shuriken whirred through the air, lodging itself precisely in the rock of the standing pillar, six feet above the ground.

It struck the rock with a metallic thud, the sharp edge embedding inside right where the intruder's head was on the other side of the pillar.

Hinata quickly rose to her feet, her steeled lavender gaze fixated on her target from afar.

"I know you're there. Show yourself!"

Her voice sliced through the courtyard, resonating with authority-an imposing presence that demanded acknowledgment.

However, it was only at that moment that her wish was granted.

A deep, ominous chuckle suddenly emanated from the shadows, effectively shattering the serenity that had once enveloped the Hyūga courtyard.

The chilling sound seemed to emerge from every corner of the area, shaking Hinata to the bone. The unseen presence revealed itself not through sight, but through the sinister laughter that lingered in the air.

"Ahh, what a perceptive eye you have there, little heiress."

The figure's voice echoed with a resonance that was both husky and deep, carrying a hint of amusement that intertwined with an underlying sense of intimidation.

Then, in a swift motion, the mysterious figure took a step from behind the pillar, revealing themselves at last.

Their tux coat billowed in the wind, adding a dramatic flair to their presence as they stepped into view.

Hinata's lavender eyes narrowed at who she saw, instantly recognizing the unmistakable figure.

"Naruto Uzumaki," She called out with a mix of disdain and recognition.

She scoffed, "I thought I smelled a rat." She spat, her voice cutting through the tension.

Naruto, the enigmatic visitor, put up a smirk as if reveling in Hinata's awareness of his presence and recognition of his identity.

With deliberate steps, he advanced into the glow of the lantern-lit courtyard.

The golden lights flickered, exposing Naruto's infamous spiky, blonde hair, and the whisker-like marks that scarred his tan face.

He was adorned in an all-black trench coat, the coat intentionally left open at the front.

The black trench coat he wore draped loosely over his broad shoulders, slipping down his frame as it swayed in the wind behind him, evoking the essence of black ink trailing in his wake.

The coat framed his sturdy physique, revealing his attire beneath-an orange paisley silk vest paired with a white long-sleeved shirt and a matching tie.

The long sleeves of his white undershirt extended down his arms, showcasing irezumi tattoos that subtly peeked out along the blonde's limbs.

His muscular frame asserted itself against the fabric, bulging muscles contorting beneath his clothing, displaying evidence of how shredded he was, impossible to overlook.

Below, black slacks adorned his lower half, secured by a thick belt.

A long katana stealthily rested along the side of Naruto's waist, encased in a sleek leather sheath.

The hilt, adorned with intricate skull engravings, peeked out, reflecting a subtle glint of the ominous weapon within. The hidden blade bore the marks of countless battles, scars etched into the material, telling tales of the innocent blood that stained it.

Naruto rounded off his attire with a pair of sleek black chelsea boots, their polished finish catching the moonlight with a subtle gleam.

Hinata's lavender eyes raced over him, immediately noticing the imposing tattoo adorning his throat, boldly visible even from a distance.

Naruto's intimidating tattoo depicted a ferocious demon fox, its vibrant red eyes gleaming and its snout frozen in a silent roar, meticulously etched in vivid orange ink against his sun-kissed skin.

The beast's crimson eyes seemed to lock onto her just as Naruto's gaze did, every detail intricately crafted, breathing life into the vivid and formidable representation of the powerful creature he proudly displayed.

The tattoo seemed to come alive, a distinctive mark that served as a visible symbol of the immense power the blonde man wielded, sending shivers down the spines of those who dared to cross his path.

It was a mark that denoted the leader of one clan and one clan only.

The Uzumaki clan.

The Hyuga clan's #1 rival.

Hinata's lavender eyes narrowed under the weight of Naruto's presence, now confronting her for the very first time within her home, breaching her defenses.

Somehow.

Hinata was well acquainted with the man standing before her, well-versed in his name and the principles he embodied, all thanks to her father's teachings.

Naruto Uzumaki was a product of the harsh embrace of the yakuza world, born and raised within its unforgiving clutches.

Naruto rose to lead the once Namikaze clan following the death of his father, Minato Namikaze, the former patriarch.

Now, under his leadership, the clan adopted a new name.

The Uzumaki clan.

However, Naruto had long forsaken the principles and teachings of his late father, disregarding his warnings about losing oneself to the intoxicating allure of power.

Evil personified, Naruto harbored grand ambitions that transcended the boundaries of the yakuza world.

His insatiable hunger for power extended beyond the Land of Fire; he coveted the dominion of all Japan, every great nation, and Yakuza family, both low and high ranking, bowing under the weight of his iron fist.

Naruto was an unpredictable force, a tempest that refused to be tamed. His ruthless pursuit of supremacy left a trail of chaos in his wake.

He never relented, never backed down, and his capricious nature kept those around him on edge, unsure of when his wrath might be unleashed.

Hiashi has warned Hinata of Naruto.

More specifically, Hiashi warned her that Naruto was not only dangerous but a katana prodigy.

Trained from a young age, he took down adversaries much larger, viewing his katana as an extension of himself.

Stripped of love and compassion, Naruto was meticulously crafted into a merciless war machine, executing without a trace of remorse.

To him, the act of killing was nothing more than a game-a ruthless competition to drop as many bodies and stain his hands with as much blood as possible if it only meant reigning superior.

Hinata was taught that individuals like Naruto had forsaken their hearts, transcending humanity to become demons, driven only by a desire to instill fear in the vulnerable and crush the strength of the formidable.

Naruto Uzumaki was the true embodiment of danger.

And now, he stood before her.

At that moment, Hinata summoned the teachings from her father about maintaining composure in the face of an enemy, in the midst of chaos-resisting the pull of fear or anger.

With a deliberate deep breath, she steadied her heart, determined to remain in control.

"What are you doing here, Uzumaki?" She spoke, her voice emerging again, cold as steel.

"How did you infiltrate my compound? Sneak past my guards?" Hinata shouted, her voice rising, but all her questions were met with a cold, and eerie...

Silence.

Hinata's intruder remained strangely quiet, his blue eyes fixed on her as if caught in a trance.

Naruto just stared at her, unsettlingly so, a creepy smirk lingering on his face as if he were admiring her from a distance.

The unnerving intensity of Naruto's gaze undeniably sent an eerie cascade of shivers down Hinata's spine, despite her valiant attempts to shake off or deny the tumult of emotions stirring within her.

If Naruto aimed to unsettle her, he surely succeeded.

His silence lingered, his stare persisted long after her inquiries, as if her questions held no weight, as if his presence in her home was entirely normal.

It was these very actions that quickly irked Hinata, her rage surging beyond her control.

She clenched one fist by her waist, against the fabric of her kimono. She also gritted her teeth.

"Speak! Tell me now! Why have you come here-!"

Another ominous laugh cut through the air, abruptly silencing Hinata.

The once tranquil night wind now bore an eerie essence, making Hinata's skin crawl, and intensifying the unsettling tension within her.

Naruto's laughter echoed, starting as a low and grave sound before escalating in volume, flooding Hinata's ears with its boisterous resonance.

His shoulders rumbled as he threw his head back, the incessant laughter intensifying Hinata's unease.

Why was he laughing?

Hinata sure as hell didn't know.

But she knew one thing: The man was an absolute lunatic.

Naruto was just what her father had described.

Impulsive.

Inscrutable.

Insidious.

Hinata gritted her teeth, and it was then, that she steadied herself, reaching down along her kimono to grasp her sacred katana by her side.

'I must handle this quickly before things get out of hand-' But it seemed as though Naruto sensed her thoughts, for his laughter abruptly ceased at that very moment.

A hushed silence enveloped the entire courtyard, accompanied by a deadly chill.

The stillness was so profound that Hinata could even hear her heartbeat.

She gulped.

But, in this moment of silence, Naruto finally spoke up, his words dripping with cold confidence.

He let out a long sigh, bringing one hand up his body to run it through his spiky blonde hair, slowly but surely craning his neck forward.

"You wanna know something?" He started off quite ominously.

Hinata's lavender eyes narrowed.

A mischievous glint appeared in his eyes, an unsettling sign.

"It's truly, truly an honor to finally meet you in person, Hinata Hyūga," Naruto announced with a deep bow of his upper body, extending his arms.

Hinata's nose wrinkled at the display.

Naruto stood back up straight, just to smirk at her through his fallen blonde hair, "Oh yes, it's a tremendous fucking honor. You have no idea how long I've waited for this moment, Hinata."

Naruto clicked his tongue, giving his head a shake in awe, expressing excitement as if he were meeting his favorite celebrity crush.

The blonde even let out a sensual moan, examining the young woman before him, appreciating every detail of the fruits of her labor.

He finally took this time to observe her.

All of her.

With a keen eye, he took note of her silky midnight blue hair which was elegantly pinned up, a few strands gracefully falling to brush against the nape of her neck.

His gaze shifted to those lavender, pupil-less eyes of hers, exclusive to the Hyūga clan, possessing tales of the ability to peer into one's very soul.

Naruto's eyes then traversed her snow-white porcelain skin-clear, bright, healthy-and exclusive to her lineage.

He examined her body beneath the kimono that hugged her frame, appreciating the curves restrained by the fabric. Such curves tried so hard to break free from the confines of her kimono, but Naruto caught them.

Oh yes, he caught a good look at her.

Finally, before her, Naruto witnessed the true beauty of Hinata full on.

She was a slender, busty little thing, adept at carrying babies, no doubt.

Naruto smirked.

More like good and ready to carry his.

He hummed, low and deep.

All the while as he finally inspected Hinata, Naruto carried himself rather nonchalantly, unfazed by the fact that he was standing in enemy territory, standing before the leader of his adversary's clan.

In fact, he was utterly thrilled, captivated by the beauty that stood before him.

Up close, Hinata, indeed, embodied the captivating beauty that echoed through the streets around Kyoto, precisely as Naruto had envisioned.

She truly lived up to her reputation as the jewel of the Hyūga clan.

She exceeded all of his expectations.

A satisfied smirk played on his lips, and with that, he decided to inject a bit more excitement into the situation, at least for his own amusement.

Naruto decided to enjoy a good ole smoke.

The spiky-haired blonde nonchalantly fetched himself a lighter and a cigarette box from his trench coat pocket, all while sporting a smirk.

Hinata scoffed at the action, offended, "Enough with the games, Uzumaki. Tell me why you've come here,"

She sneered, growing impatient, "now!"

Her roar was silenced by a finger.

Naruto placed up one finger, silencing her as he extracted a cigarette, casually popping it between his lips.

He maneuvered the lighter towards the dangling cigarette in his possession, igniting a flame with a flick of his thumb, lighting the bud with practiced ease.

At that moment, he drew his first breath, releasing a deep, dark hum as he did. He then stowed away his lighter and cigarette box.

He exhaled, the smoke cascading from his lips and wafting into the night air, creating sinuous patterns under the dim moonlight.

Naruto scoffed playfully, taking the cigarette out of his mouth to set it between his fingers.

"Oh, my dear," He remarked, his voice dripping with amusement, "what a vivid display of anger. But I'm afraid the only purpose it serves is masking your fear." Naruto taunted, a sinister glint in his eyes.

"I-" Hinata swallowed, "I am not afraid."

"And there's no need to be, hun! I've only come to pay you a visit. Figured I'd do so, ya know," Naruto shrugged, "to congratulate you personally on your rise to power, eh?"

He snickered darkly, the sound carrying a twisted amusement, "Becoming leader, the head of a clan, why it's a remarkable achievement, is it not?"

He placed his free hand on his chest, giving it a pat, "I can truly understand how exhilarating it all must feel... yes?" The blonde remarked, a smug grin on his face.

Hinata's eyes immediately narrowed, offended, to say the least.

'How dare he.' Hinata thought in disdain, sneering.

Her offense wasn't just about Naruto's audacity; it cut deeper.

He seemed to believe that her ascent to the leadership of the Hyūga clan was a walk in the park, all cupcakes and rainbows.

His blatant disregard for the passing of her beloved father, whose death paved the way for her to assume leadership, a role he deemed praiseworthy, exposes his true nature as a cold, indifferent monster.

Not a single word of condolence, not even a feigned one, did he offer.

Naruto's apparent disregard for human lives, driven solely by a thirst for power, was revealed in just seconds of their conversation and that alone had Hinata deeply...

disturbed.

Her nose flared, "Uzumaki, your presence here is not welcomed. You leave," Hinata nodded out into the distance with her head, her lavender eyes cold, "now."

"Oh come now," Naruto pouted, tilting his blonde head, "that's hardly the way to treat a guest, little heiress. I've only just arrived-"

"You're no guest," She spat, shaking her head, "because that would suggest you're actually welcome here, which you're most certainly are not. And also..."

Hinata's lavender eyes darkened, "don't you dare call me that-'little heiress'."

"You know what, you're right. Let's skip the formalities, and let me just tell you the real reason why I'm here."

It was at that moment, Naruto's blue eyes dimmed, and his smile took on an even more sinister edge.

The lanterns' lights flickered erratically, seemingly stirred to life by the crazed essence of his gaze, causing shivers to rush down her spine.

Despite this, Hinata maintained her composure, standing firm.

Naruto hummed, exhaling another plume of smoke from his cigarette. He then pointed the lit end of the cigarette at her.

"Your otou-san's death has placed you in quite a dilemma, little heiress." He started, his voice dripping with malice, once again using that kami-forsaken pet name she'd come to hate.

"The once impenetrable fortress of the Hyūga clan is no more, and thus, I anticipated that Hiashi's demise, this very moment would leave you vulnerable, ripe for the taking."

Hinata scoffed, undeterred by Naruto's taunting words.

She squared her shoulders and met his ominous gaze with unwavering determination, the moonlight casting a silvery glow on her steeled features.

"You've got some nerve coming into my home and hurling threats. My otou-sama's legacy now may be a weight on my shoulders, but it's one I carry with honor." She shook her head, keeping her resolve, "Don't you underestimate me. You won't find me so easily conquered."

Naruto chuckled darkly, "Heh, how amusing. I'm afraid honor will not protect you now, little heiress." The blonde male's voice, smooth as silk, echoed through the courtyard.

"I don't believe you truly understand the situation you're in, Hinata."

Naruto indulged in a few more draws of his cigarette before advancing with a step.

Hinata tensed.

His eyes grew colder, "Your otou-san is gone. That means, no more shields to hide behind," Naruto shook his head, taking a few more steps forward, "no more protection, no one to save you. The Hyūga clan is vulnerable, and you..."

A dark smirk crept across Naruto's face, "You are exposed my dear, more now than you've ever been, and you and I both know it."

Hinata couldn't suppress the gulp that slid down her throat upon hearing the words spoken by her adversary.

In that moment, she felt a surge of fear coursing through her causing goosebumps to form, though she fought valiantly to conceal it, maintaining a facade of composure in the face of Naruto's ominous declaration.

He gave her a grin due to her silence, "You need help, little heiress-"

Hinata shook her head wildly, "You do not scare me. I don't need saving, especially not from someone like you, if that is what you are alluding to." Hinata scoffed once more, clutching her sheath katana more firmly.

"Just stop with the mind tricks already. What brings you to my home uninvited, usurper? Are you seeking alliances or just wishing to stir up trouble?"

Naruto's grin widened.

He shrugged, "A bit of both, perhaps. Your clan is vulnerable now, and alliances could be beneficial. But make no mistake, I don't mind a little trouble either."

Hinata growled, irked by the barrage of threats from the blonde.

"The strength of my clan exceeds your pitiful expectations, Uzumaki. We're much stronger than you realize." She retorted defiantly.

Naruto let out a snicker as if holding back laughter.

Hinata seethed, growing impatient, "Enough! I won't tolerate another moment of your threats, senseless chatter, and mockery."

With contempt, she spat out her next words, "Know this: I am not one to repeat myself. Consider this your final warning."

Her chest heaved, "Leave now, or you'll regret ever stepping foot in my otou-sama's territory."

It was only those words that brought Naruto cracking another snicker, before he once more exploded into laughter, throwing his head back, to allow the boisterous sounds to echo through the courtyard.

Hinata whimpered softly.

"Ah, you truly amuse me, Hinata!" He croaked, "Gomen, but I must correct you, yet again, hun." He said while wiping imaginary tears from his eyes.

"Your otou-san's territory is a relic of the past. It's now unguarded, practically beckoning me to make my claim."

He tilted his head, allowing his blonde bangs to shift, "Times have changed, love, and it's finally time you've opened your eyes and realized that."

Hinata's hand instinctively tightened around the hilt of the heirloom katana at her side, poised to use it at any moment's notice.

"My clan will not bow to the Uzumaki, no matter the circumstances. We are not weak." She declared, her eyebrows furrowed, and her lavender eyes hardened.

"Though my otou-sama may no longer be among the living, his legacy still lives on. The strength he instilled in us persists, and the Hyūga clan stands as resolute as ever. Don't you dare look down on us."

Naruto smirked.

He took another step.

He closed in, drawing near as he had been doing all along unbeknownst to Hinata, concealed in the shadows.

"Ah, you see, that's where you're wrong." He declared ominously, taking another whiff of his cigarette. He blew out the smoky contents thereafter.

"Strength is relative, my dear. Your otou-san was the only one that was able to keep me at bay. He was a formidable force, I must give him credit, a wise man who could dismantle me with just words."

Naruto growled, turning away with a sneer, "I despised him for it."

He shook his head, swaying his hand about, the smoke from the cigarette between his fingers wisping through the air.

"With him alive, I couldn't take a single step in your presence, nor my henchmen. Hell, I wasn't even able to set foot inside the goddamn Hyūga compound." He observed, his eyes taking in every detail of the magnificent Hyūga courtyard, filled with a sense of awe.

"But now..." His eyes flashed back to Hinata menacingly, "with Hiashi gone, I am free to pursue what I desire."

Hinata narrowed her eyes, curious to say the least, "And what is it that you desire, Uzumaki?" Hinata asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her.

Naruto's gaze locked onto hers, his words dripping with malice.

"Everything, my dear heiress. Your clan, your power..."

Naruto released a deep chuckle, exhaling a few more puffs of his cigarette before disposing of it on the ground with a resounding thud, smashing it into the grass with his boot.

He then raised his head, pointing a finger directly at her.

"You."

"Me?" Hinata exclaimed in shock, oblivious to a man's desires, and the dark depths to which they could go.

"Why me?" She scoffed, "You hardly know anything about me-"

"Oh, dear, you are sorely mistaken," Naruto retorted darkly, a chill settling in the air with the shift in his words and tone.

His blue eyes darkened, that same dark smirk tugging at his lips.

His relentless desires, those that constantly knocked around in his mind, always keeping him up at night-his obsession, fueled by countless instances of watching Hinata from afar, hidden behind her father, was now surfacing.

All.

At.

Once.

His various thoughts of her, fantasies, and dreams where Hinata assumed the spotlight, where Naruto actually stood in her presence, meeting her gaze eye to eye-were no longer figments of his imagination.

Now, Hinata finally stood before him, the woman of his dreams, his angel, his other half-a flawless vision unrivaled by any other.

For as far back as he could remember, Naruto longed to have Hinata by his side, trailing after him as she did her father, obedient to his every command, completely devoted to him and only him.

Moreover, darker thoughts have circulated in his fucked up brain, where he yearned to possess her body fully, to pin her down and fuck her in the privacy of his bedroom, to claim every inch of her with his hands, lips, tongue, and cock-both inside and out.

Naruto desired to show Hinata what it was like to be with a man, no, to be dominated by one, and ultimately, fill her up with his seed, so she'd bear children destined to be heirs to the most powerful Yakuza clan in all of Japan.

Naruto licked his lips, emitting a deep moan.

Oh yes, he has got to have her.

He has yearned for it, dreamt day in and day out, of having nothing else.

Only Hinata.

And now, finally, Naruto stood before her, poised to attain what he desired.

And, as always, he gets what he wants.

Naruto's cerulean eyes darkened as he maintained his finger pointed at the dark-haired heiress across from him, keeping her in the spotlight.

"Oh love, I have had my eye on you for quite some time." He disclosed with a chuckle, waving his hand across the air.

"I have studied your strengths, weaknesses, mannerisms, interests, and dislikes thoroughly." He tilted his head, his body moving with an eerie fluidity as he spoke, each gesture calculated and unsettling.

"From your favorite food to your cute little hobbies and all those other trivial details, I've made it my business to delve into every part of your life and learn every ounce of it. Heh," Naruto snorted, "I had my own ways of doing so, of course." He shrugged, clearly downplaying the significance of his words.

"But beyond that, I'm well aware of the places you seek solace, where you retreat to find peace. That's exactly how I knew where to find you," He gestured around the vicinity, "right here, at this very moment; I knew-"

"Bakageta! You're lying!!" Hinata screeched in horror, her lavender eyes tearing up, "You're just trying to get under my skin."

She shook her head, "It won't work-!"

Naruto chuckled darkly, "Sweetheart, lying to you is certainly not my intention."

He moaned, "For countless years, I've watched you from the shadows, as you hid behind your precious otou-san. You lived peacefully, obliviously, the epitome of perfection within the Hyūga clan, untouchable and off-limits to all."

Naruto took another step, bringing himself even closer to Hinata, perhaps a bit too close for her comfort.

The dark blue-haired woman took a step back, now seconds away from unsheathing her katana.

"Don't. Don't you come any closer."

Naruto scoffed, undeterred by her demand, "You see, I have power, wealth, bitches." He spat harshly with a dry but prideful laugh, spreading his arms wide, "I have everything a man could possibly want and more,"

Despite his confident proclamation, a subtle emptiness appeared in his eyes.

He continued, dropping his hands flat against his side, "and yet, it's like trying to quench my thirst with sand. The more I grasp, the emptier it all feels. It's a never-ending cycle, Hinata, a pursuit of illusions that crumble in the wake of true fulfillment." Naruto narrowed his icy blue eyes, his facade momentarily slipping to reveal a flicker of discontent beneath his bravado.

"So now, do you see my problem, hm, Hinata?" He growled, "Do you see what it is that I am missing?"

It was those words, as Naruto spoke, Hinata felt a tumultuous mix of emotions swirling within her-confusion, unease, and a chill that seemed to rush through her entire body, holding it captive in an icy grip.

The nonchalant arrogance in Naruto's words unnerved her, and the revelation that he had been keeping an eye on her for almost her entire life disturbed her deeply.

The question Naruto just posed, and the elusive answer he hinted at, further intensified her unease.

Hinata knew what he wanted.

He's already told her.

Her breathing began to escalate in speed, the rhythmic inhales and exhales reflecting the rapid pace of her thoughts, and the beat of her heart.

Each word Naruto uttered seemed to tighten the knot in her chest, resulting in her struggling to find her voice.

She whimpered, her lips trembling as she pushed herself to answer Naruto's question, to disclose just what he'd told her before.

What's missing in his life.

The initial reason as to why he's intruded into her home.

"M-Me?"

A wide, devilish grin crossed Naruto's whiskered cheeks, and once more, he tore through the space with a booming laugh.

"Exactly, my dear." He growled, low in his throat.

"Your beauty, your purity, your strength, your very essence... they all call out to me, my little heiress. I've come to realize that you're the answer. You're what's missing in my life," The crazed man declared with widened eyes, his shoulders hunched over like a wolf ready to pounce, eyes fixated on his prey.

His blue eyes darted around erratically, resembling those of a madman caught in the throes of insanity.

He clawed the air, curling his fingers to form a fist, "You, my precious heiress, are the missing piece in my conquest, the jewel that will adorn my triumph." He pointed at her, yet again.

"You shall be my ultimate prize."

"No." Hinata let out a horrified whimper as the gravity of her enemy's proposition crashed upon her, her mind practically imploding in the presence of the obsessed lunatic before her.

She couldn't believe her ears.

'The man's a madman! He's lost his head!' Hinata exclaimed in a panic in her mind, her lavender eyes widened in horror.

There's no way.

There was absolutely no way she would ever surrender herself to a vile man like Naruto.

She refused to submit to a monster who would kill without hesitation, who inflicted harm on those who resisted him, and who, right this very moment, aimed to erase her father's legacy from the face of the earth.

Hinata refuses to give herself, her purity to her enemy-to a man she does not love.

'Never,' She vowed in her head, her teeth clenched in determination, her resolve firm.

Hinata vigorously shook her head, causing her midnight blue hair to flutter about, a blend of disbelief and horror evident on her face.

"You're insane." She spat, a frown forming on her plump lips.

"Truly, I pity you, Uzumaki."

One blonde eyebrow quickly raised from afar, and a nose wrinkled.

It was now Naruto's turn to be offended.

He titled his head, sneering, "The fuck you just say?"

Hinata stood her ground, her demeanor unwavering. "I'm sure you heard me," She replied, her tone laced with sass, "I said, I pity you."

She looked him straight in the eye, her lavender gaze unyielding.

"I pity you," She continued, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "for being stuck in this endless cycle. Always craving for more, never satisfied no matter how much you take, never truly finding real joy. It's a sad existence, really, all that power and still so empty." She said with a mocking pout.

Naruto's face fell into shadow, his gaze narrowing as he absorbed Hinata's words.

"Pity me?" He scoffed, his voice edged with indignation, "How absurd. I don't need your pity, Hinata-"

"I also want to express my apologies in advance."

Before Naruto could even finish his retort, Hinata quickly interjected, her interruption adding fuel to his anger, silencing him mid-sentence.

He growled, clenching his fists by his waist, "Apologies?" He questioned through gritted teeth, disbelief evident in his voice.

"What the fuck are you yapping about, little girl?"

Hinata smiled mockingly.

She gave him a nod, "Hai." She confirmed, proceeding onward with her retort, "I want to declare my deepest apologies for the inconvenience of your journey, as you'll be leaving here empty-handed." She declared with poise, "What you're proposing, what you've come here seeking, is just something you simply won't be attaining."

Lifting her head, she locked her cold lavender eyes onto his angered ones, "I have no intention of being the one to alleviate your obvious loneliness, nor play the role of the mother you clearly lack." She spat maliciously.

A smile played on her lips as the blonde snarled in response-a visual confirmation that she'd successfully hit a nerve.

Good.

Hinata hummed, shaking her head once more, "I won't submit to you, Uzumaki. Nor will the Hyūga clan."

The midnight blue-haired heiress stood her ground, steadying her hand, prepared to demonstrate her strength and fight for her freedom and her clan.

She lifted her chin defiantly, a cascade of midnight blue hair framing her determined expression, "I am not anyone's possession, least of all yours. Nor am I a prize to be won!" She roared, loud and proud.

"I am an independent woman, a leader who will stand and fight for her people. Thus, if you choose to stand in my way and worst of all, threaten my clan," She squared her shoulders, "I won't hesitate to take you down." She declared, challenging Naruto.

"I won't allow you to dismantle everything my father has built."

"Ya know..." Naruto released a heavy sigh accompanied by a rapid click of his tongue, visibly disappointed. He had hoped Hinata would be wise enough to just give in.

Now, it seems he'll have to resort to a bit more persuasive, perhaps bloodier, approach.

But hey, that was fine with him.

Totally fine.

The spiky-haired blonde flashed the Hyūga woman a menacing grin from afar, a grin that spelled trouble.

At that moment, he began to remove his trench coat, deftly working it off his body to free himself.

"I didn't want to hurt you, little heiress," He trailed off, his hands smoothly peeling his trench coat from his broad shoulders, the heavy fabric cascading down his frame.

With a nonchalant toss, he discarded the coat, revealing what lay beneath.

Now, he stood before her in his orange silk vest and long-sleeved white undershirt underneath, his tie cinched tightly around his neck.

Continuing, Naruto proceeded to strip, unbuttoning all the buttons to his orange silk vest, and opening it up rather roughly.

Throughout the process of shedding his attire to prepare for battle, his predatory gaze remained fixed on Hinata, never once straying.

He discarded both his vest and tie, casting them aside as if they were mere nuisances in his way. This left him only in his long-sleeved white undershirt, its collar popped.

Now, the fact that he had concealed weapons beneath his clothing was laid bare for all to see.

There, a black leather harness of belts, adorned with metallic buckles, was now revealed. It hung over his clothing, hugging his torso.

The belts to the harness snaked across his abdomen, extending upward along the sides of his chest, tracing the contours of his pecs.

Its numerous pockets concealed an array of kunai and shurikens, meticulously organized for quick access.

With every movement he made, the weapons strapped to his body jingled faintly, a constant reminder of his hidden arsenal.

However, none of that fazed Hinata.

Observing Naruto preparing for battle, she also readied herself as well.

Widening her stance, she spread her legs and bent her knees slightly, seamlessly transitioning into her fighting posture. One hand rose, while the other unsheathed her katana with a swift motion.

Drawing it swiftly from its sheath, the razor-sharp steel sliced through the air, creating a resonant hiss that echoed in the stillness of the night.

The polished blade shimmered in the moonlight, casting a glint on its handle adorned with lavender blossom engravings, hinting at both the beauty and the lethal potential of the weapon now in her possession, ready for battle.

Hinata adeptly positioned the blade at a horizontal angle in front of her face, securing the handle with a firm grip from both hands, seamlessly adopting the Ko Gasami stance.

The midnight blue-haired woman watched as the blonde also began to roll up the sleeves of his shirt.

As he did, his irezumi tattoos were revealed, the lanterns casting a glint off them as they adorned every inch of his bulging arms with their intricate designs.

The crazed blonde then cracked his neck twice, first to the left and then to the right.

He followed it up with a roll of his broad shoulders, his clothes tightening as his muscles contracted beneath the fabric.

He then slid one hand down to his own katana by his hip, "Tsk, for have you know, coming here, it was never my intention to resort to brute force, especially not against you."

He breathed deeply, "But if you insist on resisting, if you insist on withholding your clan and refusing to be mine,"

Naruto gave his neck one final crack, the bone-chilling sound reverberating through the entire courtyard.

Only then, Naruto shifted into a battle-ready stance.

His legs spread for stability, body leaning forward, and shoulders hunched for protection. His right hand hovered near his katana, hinting at a seamless transition from a defensive to an offensive approach.

His darkened blue eyes focused intensely on Hinata, exuding an energy that hinted at an unsettling darkness deep within.

Every strained muscle of his conveyed disciplined martial readiness, showcasing his determination to face any challenge head-on.

Ready to face Hinata head-on.

The blonde ran his tongue across his lips, humming deeply into the cold, dark night.

"I'll just have to make you submit, Hinata."

Hinata's lavender eyes turned frigid, unwavering in their focus on her target.

Every bit of her training, every practice session, and all the lessons she had assimilated had culminated in this very moment, and now, it was time to put her skills to the test.

She stood prepared, ready to fight fiercely for herself and the Hyūga clan, and equally prepared to embrace her role as clan leader.

Hinata exhaled deeply, centering herself.

With all ten fingers, she firmly gripped her katana before her, wielding it at Naruto.

"Bring it on, you bastard."

At that very moment, Naruto's face contorted into a malevolent expression, with a wicked thirst for blood unmistakable in his darkened blue eyes.

His whiskered face carried an evil smirk, the corners of his lips curling upward with predatory satisfaction.

At that moment, Naruto's singular desire boiled down to one thing and one thing only...

Domination.

Naruto released a cackle, "Alright then, girlie," He snarled.

"Here I come."

⊱ ──────ஓ๑∗๑ஓ ────── ⊰

Word Count: 7.8k.

AN: This is only the start of this intense ride, readers. I hope you're all buckled up. I also hoped you enjoyed!