Chapter 103 – Sacred Pacts

That morning, after a modest breakfast, Hinata dressed slowly, pausing as she cinched her robes. The fabric hung loosely around her shoulders, and she gave a soft, embarrassed chuckle.

"I'm going to grow back, right?," she murmured looking at kuro and she responded with a comforting bark.

With Kuro at her side, she followed a young maid through the winding paths of Otogakure's inner gardens. They arrived at a secluded courtyard, where Mitsue waited—white scales polished to a near glow, her silver patterns radiant under the midmorning light. The serpent had clearly just eaten, her movements languid and serene.

As Hinata approached, Mitsue lifted her head and moved smoothly to her, not with aggression, but with familiarity. To Hinata's surprise, Mitsue began shrinking, her form condensing until she was small enough to curl along Hinata's shoulders like a regal shawl.

"Seems like you've picked up a trick or two yourself," Hinata said warmly, raising a hand to stroke the serpent's smooth head.

She inhaled deeply, letting her chakra flow. For the first time in what felt like forever, it responded. Though still difficult to control, it shimmered around her briefly—enough to warp the air with its raw presence.

"I've been waiting for this moment..."

Turning to Kuro, Hinata stepped into the center of the courtyard. "Kuro... you've always been there. More than a companion. More than a shadow. You're my sister."

Kuro straightened, ears perked, tail sweeping in slow, joyful arcs.

"And you, Mitsue. I know our bond was guided by design, but what grew from it is real. So I offer you both something deeper."

With a branch stripped clean, Hinata began drawing a complex summoning circle into the earth—three interwoven rings, layered with old sealing symbols.

"This contract is not one of power over another, but of mutual calling. Each of us can summon the others in times of need. The original is only between two parties... but nothing prevents us from doing the ritual three times, and we'd all be in the same circle. What do you think?."

As she finished the design, she turned to her companions. "We each place something of ourselves in the center. Chakra, yes—but something physical, too. A sign of who we are."

Kuro stepped forward first, plucking a tuft of her black fur with her teeth and placing it reverently in the center.

Mitsue followed, shedding a single scale that shimmered with a soft inner light.

Hinata pricked her finger and let a few drops of blood fall between them.

Together, the three channeled chakra into the circle. As their energies merged, a thread of silver light surged upward from the symbols, wrapping around them gently before sinking into the earth. The drawn lines glowed brilliantly—then vanished as if devoured by the soil.

The bond was made.

All three felt it. Not just the ritual's completion—but a deeper, spiritual connection solidified. The Silver World had witnessed and affirmed it.

Kuro howled once, low and proud. Mitsue coiled around Hinata briefly, encircling her waist before returning to her position.

"Now," Hinata murmured, looking up at the pale sky, "we're never alone again."

At a distance, the maid who had escorted Hinata stood in the garden's archway, eyes wide in disbelief. She clutched the tray of linens in her hands, wondering what on earth she would even begin to report to her superiors.

<<<< o >>>>

That afternoon, within the polished wooden hall of Otogakure's underground training complex, Hinata and Sasuke stood ten steps apart. The golden glow of ceiling lanterns cast faint shadows on the wooden floor, highlighting the poised tension in the air.

Hinata looked different—her frame smaller, almost youthful, her kimono oversized and draping in places. Her skin was pale as porcelain, and her hair, though beginning to grow back, was still absent, making her seem otherworldly. Despite this, she stood tall, hand on the hilt of her reversed blade, Shinsei, eyes closed, breathing deep. A slight smile curled her lips.

Sasuke already had his blade drawn, the three tomoe of his Sharingan spinning slowly, observing every detail. He lowered his stance, ready to strike with the speed and precision that marked his fighting style.

"You look... different," he remarked. "Shorter, too."

Hinata opened her eyes—blind, yet filled with quiet awareness. "I haven't fully adjusted," she said, drawing Shinsei with deliberate grace. "But I will. And today's spar will help."

Sasuke struck first. No chakra—just pure speed. Hinata reacted instinctively. In her perception, the World of Intent flared—colors blooming across his form. Red tinged his shoulder, a pale blue outlined his footwork, each hue signaling a potential move. She stepped back and angled her sword for a perfect counter.

Yet her body moved too sharply. Her stance threw her off balance, and her simple step took her more than 10 steps away from her original target and Sasuke passed harmlessly by her former position, halting. He smirked, recognizing her surprise.

He repeated the same move. To help her and test her at the same time.

Hinata's second attempt fared better. She pivoted, blade slicing through the air just where Sasuke would pass. He deflected, but only narrowly, his expression sharpening with focus.

Hinata adjusted her step this time only one step was taken, she adjusted her blade to hit Sasuke with precision, but his reflexes were able to adapt to her movement and he wanted to make a turn to attack her... I could see his intent and with my sword I attacked the place where he would pass trying to make it connect... I missed my blow, it was too fast... I had to adjust my position once more to dodge Sasuke's attack.

"You're reading me better than before," he said. "Your World of Intent has evolved."

Hinata nodded, breath steadying. "Now I see more. Colors—each one tied to a different kind of intent. It's like reading the soul."

He shifted his stance, now taking her a little more seriously.

Lightning chakra crackled along Sasuke's limbs. He shifted tactics, increasing his speed with chakra. Hinata met him head-on. Their blades clashed. He redirected Shinsei to the floor. She moved to intercept, but misjudged a step. Her foot sank through a plank on the floor that gave way due to the strength of her foot, catching her mid-motion.

Before she could recover, Sasuke's kunai—summoned from a seal on his wrist—hovered near her throat.

"That would be my win," he said with a rare half-smile.

Hinata let out a laugh, light and unguarded. "Yeah... I was a disaster."

He glanced at her trapped foot and raised an eyebrow. "A poetic disaster."

Hinata pulled her foot free with a huff. "And thanks… for not mentioning the hair." she says with some embarrassment.

Sasuke tilted his head. "I figured that was your business."

They stood in silence for a moment—competitors, but not enemies. Then they both turned to reset the training floor, side by side.

<<<< o >>>>

The next day dawned soft and overcast, a quiet mist lingering over Otogakure. Hinata sat astride Kuro, her form draped in a simple travel cloak that obscured her face and slender frame. Mitsue, now a coiled silver presence around her neck, nuzzled gently against her, offering silent support.

They arrived at the arranged meeting point near the outer courtyard. Orochimaru stood waiting, his robes immaculate, his expression as inscrutable as ever. His pale eyes lingered on Mitsue for a heartbeat longer than Hinata liked.

"I see you've come prepared," he said, voice silken as always. "Your chaperone seems eager, and the serpent... has changed. Fascinating."

Kabuto stood beside him, already noting down observations in a worn scroll. His eyes flicked between Hinata, Kuro, and Mitsue with analytical curiosity.

"As promised," Orochimaru continued, "I will personally deliver you to your father. I trust he'll uphold his end of our agreement."

He offered a slight bow. "The journey to the Iron Capital will be swift with your mount. Are you ready to leave, Lady Gin?"

Hinata gave a single nod beneath her hood. "I'm ready."

The group began their journey, shadows falling behind them as Otogakure slowly vanished from view.